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More residents affected by the £50 billion HS2 high-speed rail project are to get Government compensation and assistance.

The new deal involves owner-occupiers of homes and small businesses between generally 60 metres and up to 120 metres from the line from London to Birmingham, which will carve through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Those affected can submit an application to HS2 Ltd to purchase their property at the full, unblighted value under the voluntary purchase scheme.

This is the value of the property as if there were no plans for HS2.

As an alternative to the voluntary purchase scheme, these eligible property owners will also have the option to accept a cash offer of 10% of that same value and stay in their homes and businesses. This will support people who want to remain in their community.

Those beyond the 120 metre boundary but within 300 metres of the line in rural areas will, following Royal Assent of the Phase One HS2 Hybrid Bill, be able to apply for a homeowner payment ranging from £7,500 to £22,500.

The controversial proposed high speed rail link between London and the West Midlands, has run into more opposition. Wildlife campaigners claim a rare species of bat could lose its habitat if the 42 billion pound scheme goes ahead.

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The Church of England has criticised plans for a high speed rail link through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The Archbishops' Council has expressed concerns at proposals to dig up a number of burial sites along the route.

More than 30,000 graves must be exhumed to make way for HS2 including two and a half thousand within the ruins of St Mary the Virgin Church in Stoke Mandeville. See our report from Mel Bloor

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin gave this statement after MPs voted in favour for work to being on HS2 in 2017:

By voting in favour of the hybrid Bill, Parliament has made a clear commitment to a key part of the government’s long term economic plan. HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to create jobs and develop skills, provide the extra space we need on our rail network for commuters and freight and better connect our biggest cities.

I am aware of the concerns some who live very close to the HS2 route have. I am confident however that by working together we can ensure this vital new north-south railway is designed in the right way, and we will have spades in the ground in 2017 as planned.

Work on the High Speed Two rail link will begin in 2017 as planned after MPs voted in favour of it last night.

The bill passed its 2nd reading in the Commons with MPs voting 452 to 41 in favour.

Several villages are in the path of the proposed route through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The government has confirmed that MPs will vote on the HS2 Phase 1 Hybrid Bill later this month.

Former Cabinet minister Cheryl Gillan, who led the rebellion against the HS2 scheme which will cut through Tory heartlands in the Chilterns, indicated that she would keep up the fight by scrutinising the project "inch by inch" as it progressed through Parliament.

People campaigning against the High Speed Two rail link are due to protest outside the Houses of Parliament this afternoon. Several villages are in the path of the proposed route through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The government says the line will create thousands of jobs and boost the economy.

Local businesses and residents are hopeful that the HS2 rail will use an underground tunnel and protect existing wildlife areas. If the tunnel goes ahead, it provides a solution for the new high speed railway link as the countryside will remain largely unaffected.

Juliette Fletcher has been to find out how the HS2 plans affect those living near the proposed line.

Wildlife areas across our region could be affected by the new rail development Credit: ITV Meridian

As many as 500 wildlife sites have been put at risk by plans to build a high speed rail line through the South East.

Wildlife Trusts have proposed that the HS2 scheme could destroy more wildlife habitats than it will replace.

A report by the Trusts, who oppose HS2, called on the Government to back the creation of a ribbon of natural areas running the length of the route to protect and restore the countryside and communities, if the project goes ahead.

The Wildlife Trusts director of England, Stephen Trotter, said: "Currently, people and nature stand to lose if HS2 goes ahead which is why our opposition to the proposed route for HS2 remains. Like other affected groups we will be petitioning against it."

Some 150 existing and 43 proposed local wildlife sites would be affected, including 43 ancient woods and nine Wildlife Trust nature reserves.